International Day of People with Disabilities is December 3

Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination�Linda
Mastandrea shares some common myths and facts about
disabilities and how we talk about them. 

In 1992, the United
Nations established the International Day of People with
Disabilities as a day to join together to support people with
disabilities in our communities. Every Dec. 3, we have an
opportunity to focus on the importance of creating a future where
people with disabilities experience equal opportunity. This means a
future where they can go about their daily lives with adequate
accessibility in their communities, have the ability to join the
workforce or reach their goals without barriers.

According to the World Health Organization/World Bank World
Report on Disability, 15% of the world’s population, or more
than one billion people, are living with some form of disability.
People are often unsure how to interact with someone living with a
disability because they do not have accurate or sufficient
information. This annual day of observance is a chance to adopt big
and small ways that can improve the lives of people with
disabilities.

This year’s theme, Not all Disabilities are Visible, raises
awareness of disabilities that are not immediately apparent.

Here are some common myths and facts about disabilities and how
we talk about them. 

Myth: You can physically ascertain that someone
is living with disability.

Fact: There are many examples of invisible
disabilities that can affect someone physically, cognitively,
emotionally and psychologically. This includes diagnosed mental
illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments,
diabetes, traumatic brain injuries, neurological disorders,
learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others. 

Myth: You should never talk about
disability.

Fact: While the Americans with Disabilities Act
protects people with disabilities against discrimination,
encouraging a culture of open communication can remove stigma,
discourage stereotyping and reduce misinformation about
disability.

Myth: The terms “individuals with
disability†and “individuals with access and functional
needs†mean the same thing.

Fact: These terms are not synonymous and should
not be used interchangeably. The population of people with access
and functional needs includes individuals with a disability, but
the definition of access and functional needs also includes other
categories such as older adults and individuals with limited
English proficiency, limited access to transportation, and/or
limited access to financial resources to prepare for, respond to,
and recover from the emergency.

FEMA is committed to helping people with disabilities before,
during and after disasters in ways that maximize the inclusion of,
and accessibility for, people with disabilities. For more
information, visit our Office of
Disability Integration and Coordination page.